“While this year it is still important for religious folks to hold pride services in our congregations, it is not enough,” Alliance President Paul Raushenbush said. “We need to go out from the sanctuary and show up to use our presence to help ensure the well-being of our LGBTQ siblings by neutralizing hateful attacks on LGBTQ people and pride events.”

The memorandum NSPM-7 enables the administration to investigate and prosecute individuals and entities it deems to be a threat to national security. In reality, NSPM-7 is a method to suppress free speech; it is not designed to actually address national security concerns.

Just days ago, on Tuesday, November 4, I joined a determined group of faith leaders and advocates from diverse faith traditions at the United States Senate to deliver a faith letter carrying an urgent appeal: hold the line. Do not reopen the government without protecting the essential benefits people need to survive.